You’ve changed your aligners, completed your Dental Monitoring scans and finally reached the last aligner in your first set. So, are you finished with clear aligner treatment?
Not quite.
Reaching your final aligner is an exciting milestone, but for many Urban Smile patients, it doesn’t mean treatment is complete. The next step is usually a refinement observation appointment, where we assess how your teeth and bite have responded to your initial aligners and determine what needs to happen next.
Here’s what to expect.
What happens when I finish my first set of clear aligners?
Once you reach the end of your initial aligners, your teeth have completed the first stage of the movements planned by your Specialist Orthodontist.
However, teeth don’t always move exactly as predicted. Some may respond faster or slower than others, and your bite may need further adjustment.
That’s why we don’t simply stop treatment when you reach the last aligner in the box.
Instead, we assess your progress before deciding whether you’re ready to finish treatment or whether additional aligners are recommended.
What is a refinement observation appointment?
Your refinement observation appointment is a progress check at the end of your first set of aligners.
At this appointment, our clinical team will assess:
- how your teeth have responded to your aligners
- how your upper and lower teeth are fitting together
- whether any planned tooth movements still need to be completed
- whether additional movements could help you progress towards your treatment goals.
We’ll also discuss how you’re feeling about your progress and whether you’ve noticed anything about your teeth or bite that you’d like us to review.
Your Specialist Orthodontist can then determine the appropriate next step for your treatment.
Will I need another set of aligners?
For many patients, yes.
This next set is known as a refinement, and it is a normal part of clear aligner treatment at Urban Smile.
Refinement aligners allow your Specialist Orthodontist to adjust your treatment plan based on where your teeth are now, rather than relying solely on the positions predicted before treatment began.
They may be used to make smaller finishing movements, address teeth that haven’t moved as expected or make further adjustments to your bite.
Want to know more? Read our guide: What Is the Refinement Phase in Clear Aligner Treatment?
Does needing refinements mean something has gone wrong?
Not at all. Refinements are a normal part of clear aligner treatment for many patients.
Your treatment is digitally planned, but teeth don’t always move exactly as predicted. Everyone responds a little differently, so your Specialist Orthodontist may recommend refinements based on how your teeth and bite have actually moved during treatment.
At Urban Smile, one refinement phase is included in every clear aligner treatment plan.
Sometimes, an additional refinement may be recommended. If that happens, we’ll talk you through why it’s needed, what the next stage involves and whether there are any extra costs before you decide what to do next.
What happens at my refinement scan?
If refinements are recommended, we’ll take a fresh look at where your teeth and bite are now so we can plan the next stage of your treatment.
This includes:
- a new 3D digital scan
- updated dental photographs
- an assessment of your teeth and bite.
Your Specialist Orthodontist will review these updated records and use them to plan your next set of aligners.
Depending on the movements still needed, some attachments may stay in place, while others might be removed, repositioned or added.
What should I wear while I wait for my refinement aligners?
Don’t throw away your last aligner just yet.
Your Urban Smile team will give you instructions about which aligner to wear and how often to wear it while your refinement aligners are being prepared.
Generally, this will be to wear your last aligner overnight (approximately 8-10 hours a day) until your refinement aligners arrive in the clinic.
Following these instructions is important because your teeth can move if they aren’t being held in their current positions.
If you’re ever unsure which aligner you should be wearing, contact your Urban Smile team rather than stopping aligner wear.
Does refinement mean my treatment is starting again?
No. Your refinement phase continues from the progress you have already made. You aren’t starting your treatment again from the beginning.
The number of additional aligners required varies depending on your individual treatment plan, your tooth movements and how your teeth and bite have responded so far.
Your team can give you more information about your updated treatment timeline once your refinement plan has been reviewed by your Specialist Orthodontist.
When am I actually finished with clear aligners?
You’re finished with active clear aligner treatment when your Specialist Orthodontist has assessed your teeth and bite and determined that no further planned tooth movement is required.
At this stage, you’ll move into the retention phase.
Retainers help maintain the position of your teeth after active orthodontic treatment. Your Urban Smile team will explain your retainer options and how they should be worn as you approach the end of treatment.
So, while reaching your last aligner is worth celebrating, don’t stop wearing your aligners until your Urban Smile team tells you that your active treatment is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I finished when I reach my last clear aligner?
Not necessarily. Reaching the final aligner in your first set usually means you’ve completed the initial phase of treatment. Your teeth and bite still need to be assessed before your Specialist Orthodontist determines whether refinement aligners or another next step is recommended.
What happens after my last clear aligner?
You’ll usually have a clinical assessment to review your teeth, bite and treatment progress. If further movements are recommended, updated scans and records may be taken so your Specialist Orthodontist can plan refinement aligners.
What are refinement aligners?
Refinement aligners are an additional series of clear aligners used to make further tooth or bite movements after your initial set. Learn more in our guide to the refinement phase of clear aligner treatment.
How many refinement aligners will I need?
There is no standard number. It depends on your treatment plan and how your teeth and bite have responded to your initial aligners. Your Specialist Orthodontist will determine what additional movements are appropriate for you.
Should I keep wearing my last aligner while waiting for refinements?
Follow the instructions provided by your Urban Smile clinical team. You will generally need to continue wearing an aligner to help maintain your tooth positions while the next stage of your treatment is being prepared.
Finished Your First Set? You’re Getting Closer
Reaching the end of your first set of clear aligners is a big milestone, but it doesn’t always mean treatment is finished just yet.
Your refinement observation appointment is our chance to check how your teeth and bite are tracking and see whether any further movements are recommended before you move on to retainers.
If you’re getting close to your final aligner and you’re not sure what happens next, send us a message through the Dental Monitoring app. We’ll let you know what’s next.
